Must-do Brisbane activities while the kids are still young

Brisbane Kids seem to grow up in the blink of an eye — one day you’re bringing your bundle of joy home from hospital and before you know it you’re waving them off to school!

To help you make the most of those precious early years, we’ve compiled a list of the best spots around Brisbane to experience with your Brisbane Kids while they’re still young, wide-eyed and enthusiastic.

Get up close to Aussie animals

Walkabout Creek at The Gap has a small wildlife centre which is perfect for little ones as you can walk around and observe all the animals in approximately one hour. At certain times, there are presentations by wildlife rangers, animal feeding and other activities such as their “Bush Babies Story Time”. There is also a café for a treat afterwards, and short bush walks in the surrounding D’Aguilar National Park.

If you’re looking for even more animal action, Brisbane has a number of excellent zoos including Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Swing, slide, climb and spin at Brisbane’s best playgrounds

Sadly, there will probably come a time when playgrounds are dubbed “too boring” or “too uncool” by your older Brisbane Kids. So while they’re still young and eager, be sure to pack a picnic and visit some of the best green spaces in our city. Our picks are Roma Street Parkland, New Farm Park, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Queens Park in Ipswich. There are also many excellent playgrounds located in suburban Brisbane on both sides of the river. To find one near you, click here.

Dig, splash, walk and play on a Brisbane beach

Brisbane is spoilt with a number of beautiful waterfront playgrounds at Wynnum, Redcliffe, Scarborough, Shorncliffe, Clontarf, Woody Point and Brighton. A busy morning spent at one of these spots will guarantee a long afternoon nap for little Brisbane Kids!

Visit Mount Coot-tha 

This special part of Brisbane has a lot to offer the youngest of Brisbane Kids. You can drive to the top of Mount Coot-tha and enjoy a special treat from the café while you take in the views. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can hike the track to the summit.

At the base of the mountain is the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. There is no playground at these gardens but a fun children’s trail to follow, a duck pond and a café serving refreshments.

While you are there, pop in to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium. You can even book in to see one of their space-themed shows. Many of them are suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers and make for a unique outing.

Hit the town with your little one!

Head into Brisbane City to experience the dedicated children’s areas at the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland, Science Centre or South Bank with your Brisbane Kids. You’ll need more than one day to do it all!

Have a coffee date with your Brisbane Kid

Once they’re busy at school five days a week, you will miss those special morning teas you once shared with your Brisbane Kids! So make a date to enjoy a babycino at one of Brisbane’s child-friendly cafes. or for something fancier you could even consider high tea.

Cool off at a Brisbane pool or waterpark

Thanks to Brisbane’s subtropical climate, Brisbane has no shortage of excellent pools and water parks. This is a lovely way to cool off with your Brisbane Kids, any day of the week!

See a Brisbane show together

Brisbane’s a big city, which means there’s always a great show to be seen! Every year, the Play School and Wiggles tours hit Brisbane, as well as many other world-class acts which you can find in our list of upcoming shows. If you want something a little more low key, our events calendar also lists shows (many of which are free) at local shopping centres, community halls and libraries.

Ride a CityCat, catch a bus or board a train

Sometimes getting there is half the fun! Brisbane Kids love to leave the car behind and try a different mode of transport. Board a train, hop on a ferry or catch a bus — it’s an event in itself. For everything you need to know about using public transport in Brisbane with children, read our article here.

Christmas lights and events in Brisbane

During the festive season, you can discover some of the most magical experiences with younger Brisbane Kids by attending your local Carols by Candlelight, visiting some spectacular Christmas light displays or by viewing the Christmas windows and parades in the city. Each year, the Brisbane Kids’ calendar has all your Christmas events covered so that you won’t miss a thing!

Do you have other places or experiences to add to this must-do list? Comment on the post on our Facebook page to let us know!

You may also want to check out our Summer Bucket List and 50 Things To Do With Kids … While Kids Are Kids.